 Wayne Rooney believes the decision to strip Harry Maguire of the Manchester United captaincy shows that Erik ten Hag has no faith in the centre-back and has encouraged him to leave. Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis Sign up Privacy Policy On Sunday, the England international confirmed he would no longer wear the armband with United later releasing a statement saying a new captain would be announced 'in due course' after Ten Hag had informed the players. Maguire dramatically fell down the pecking order at Old Trafford last season and was effectively the fifth-choice option behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and even left-back Luke Shaw. The 30-year-old is reportedly 'angry, shocked and upset' with Ten Hag's decision to remove him as captain and keen to restart his career elsewhere – something that Rooney believes would be in the best interests of everyone. Speaking to The Athletic, the DC United manager said: 'To have the armband taken off you, how does he move forward with the club? 'That shows the manager really doesn't believe in him. It leaves Harry in a position where he has to think on what he does moving forward. The manager has shown he is not part of the plans. 'I'm sure Harry will want to go and play — for himself, for his England career — to put himself in the best position to be as successful as he can. The best thing now is probably for him to move.' Rooney has encouraged Maguire to find a new club this summer (Picture: Getty) United finished third in the Premier League last season, returning to the Champions League in the process, and also lifted the Carabao Cup to end their six-year trophy drought, with Rooney very impressed by Ten Hag's impact. He continued: 'There were huge improvements. Some really good signings and some good experienced players who helped the team. 'They're competing with one of the best teams, probab){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Wayne Rooney believes the decision to strip Harry Maguire of the Manchester United captaincy shows that Erik ten Hag has no faith in the centre-back and has encouraged him to leave.
Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis
On Sunday, the England international confirmed he would no longer wear the armband with United later releasing a statement saying a new captain would be announced ‘in due course’ after Ten Hag had informed the players.
Maguire dramatically fell down the pecking order at Old Trafford last season and was effectively the fifth-choice option behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and even left-back Luke Shaw.